Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin for talks with newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as Kyiv intensifies its demand for increased military aid amidst escalating Russian attacks.
Germany, holding the position as Ukraine's second-largest military supporter after the United States, recently removed range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. This policy change broadens Kyiv's defensive and counteroffensive capabilities amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion which started in February 2022.
Since taking office three weeks ago, Chancellor Merz has actively pursued diplomatic initiatives aimed at fostering a ceasefire and sustaining robust Western support despite mounting regional tensions. Military operations have intensified significantly along the approximately 1,000-kilometer front line, with deep strikes conducted by both Ukrainian and Russian forces across contested territories.
Over the last 48 hours, the conflict has seen a surge in drone and missile attacks. Russia's Defense Ministry reported intercepting 296 Ukrainian drones across 13 Russian regions. In Moscow, air defenses shot down dozens of drones targeting the city; some drone debris caused minor damage to residential buildings in Troitskoye village but no casualties were reported. The attacks disrupted airport operations in Moscow, resulting in multiple flight delays and diversions.
Conversely, Ukraine’s Air Force reported an overnight combined Russian assault involving five Iskander ballistic missiles, a guided air-launched missile, and 88 drones. Ukrainian defenses successfully neutralized many drones through interceptions and jamming efforts. However, Russian strikes damaged railway infrastructure in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Sumy regions, temporarily suspending train operations in some Kharkiv areas. In Sloviansk, drones shattered station windows and lightly damaged a train car, though there were no casualties.
This recent intensification underscores the persistence of fierce military confrontations occurring alongside ongoing diplomatic attempts to resolve the conflict. President Zelenskyy's meeting with Chancellor Merz aims to secure stronger military backing to bolster Ukraine’s defenses in the face of persistent aggression.
